Information on Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is a disease which causes inflammation and sores (ulcers) in the lining of the rectum & colon. When inflammation has killed the cells that usually line the colon, ulcers form and then bleed and produce pus. Inflammation in the colon also causes one to go to the bathroom frequently, causing diarrhea.


Colitis** more commonly known as irritable colon is a common disorder of

the large bowel, producing discomfort and irregular bowel habits. Most

patients suffering from an irritable colon are tense, anxious, and hurried.

Many of them eat rapidly and at odd times.*

* *

*Normally the colon is tend to store the waster material until most of the

fluids have been removed. People who suffer from irritable colon do not have

normal peristaltic or wave like movements in the large bowel, but rather

irregular and erratic contractions, which are particularly seen on the left

side.*

* *

*It is a function of the colon to absorb fluid. Therefore if the stools

remain to long in the colon without being passed, they become hard and dry.

Feeling of fullness or bloating develop because gas is not absorbed or

normally expelled. Because the bowel becomes irritated, excessive amounts of

mucus are produced within the bowel, resulting in colitis. Some patients

suffer from constipation, alternating with periods of loose stools. In still

others persistent diarrhea may continue for years.*

* *

*Chronic ulcerative colitis is a severe, prolonged inflammation of the colon

or large bowel in which ulcers form in the walls of the colon, resulting in

the passage of bloody stools mixed with mucus and pus.*

* *

*Chronic ulcerative colitis usually appears in the lower part of the bowel

and spreads upward. The disease seems to attack adults more frequently. The

first sign is an increased urgency to move the bowel, followed by cramping

pains in the abdomen and bloody mucus in the stool. As the condition become

more worse the stools become more loose and watery.*

* *

*The more severe cases often continue night and day with little relief. All

this loss of blood and fluid from the bowel results in weakness, fever,

nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and anemia. *

*HOME REMEDIES FOR COLITIS **TREATMENT & CURE *

- *Eat a high quality diet in between the attacks. If a specific food

causes trouble on multiple occasions, avoid it. But if it happens only once,

retest. If you find that cabbage makes your symptoms worse, for example,

don't avoid all leafy vegetables.*

- *Fiber may be an important food source for colitis treatment. Apples

are a very good source of fibre. But avoid fibre during the flare-ups.

*

- *People with ulcerative colitis should consider taking a daily

multivitamin/mineral supplement that contains at least 400 micrograms of

folate.*

- *Emotional stress is the biggest challenge for colitis sufferers. To

reduce stress plan a regular exercise program. Exercise will dissipate the

effects of stress better than anything.*

- * Inability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk, can be a factor in

colitis . By avoiding all milk products, you may be able to reduce

your symptoms. *

- *Strict bed rest with plenty of fluids and a high protein diet are

very important. *

- *Foods should be attractively prepared and the patient encouraged to

eat. *

- *The diet should contain at least 2500 calories a day, given in

three or four general meals. *

- *Vitamin K can help to prevent hemorrhage from the bowel. *

- *Avoid eating raw carrots, asparagus, zucchini, squash and other

popular vegetables. *

- *Marshmallow root is soothing and healing to inflamed mucous

membranes. *

- *Wild yam is known to reduce gastrointestinal upset and nerve pain,

and is also considered to be a strong antispasmodic and is potentially

anti-inflammatory. *

- *Ginger has traditionally been recommended in Chinese medicine for

abdominal bloating, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea. *

- *Cayenne is helpful for various conditions of the gastrointestinal

tract, including stomachaches, cramping pains, and gas. *

- *Many doctors suggest eliminating all sugar (including soft drinks

and processed foods with added sugar) from the diets of those with

ulcerative colitis. *

- *Laughing provides us with the natural inner massage, and through

change of mood it can account for up to 30% of cure. *

- * Angelica nutritionally supports the digestive systems. *

- *Mandrake works well for liver, gallbladder and all aspects of

digestion. *

- *Diarrh nourishes the spleen, pancreas, stomach and kidneys. *

- *Peppermint calms the stomach, intestinal tract, and the nervous

system. It comforts the stomach and nourishes the salivary glands to help

with digestion. *

- *Another potential natural remedy is to take oral butyrate itself.

Butyrate is the byproduct of fermentation in a healthy gastric tract.

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